𝑫𝑬𝑨𝑫 𝑨𝑳𝑰𝑽𝑬《 Philippines CountryHumans AU 》

xxiii.

[Other than RusPhil and SouthPhil, what other ships would you like to see? They won't be in this book though ;) ]

~Clueless

____________________

Original Universe, 20**

"Kuya?" Philip mumbled, his voice barely a whisper. Martial hummed in response, turning around and looking at Philip through his ruby red eyes.

"Yes, Philip?"

"...quit your job as a mercenary... please?"

Martial didn't respond.

"Your assignments have been getting more and more dangerous lately and–... and I'm scared for you. I-I don't want you dying on me," Philip admitted, looking away in shame. He knew not to doubt his brother's capability, but he couldn't help it.

He half-expected Martial to get mad, to storm out and slam the door shut. He was ready for that. But what he wasn't ready for was when Martial caressed his cheek, slowly turning his head to face him.

This was it. Martial was going to hit him, right? He was going to yell, and–

"Okay," Martial breathed, and Philip could only blink.

"H-Huh?"

"Anything for you. I trust your judgement, okay? You–... We only have each other left. I can't just leave my baby brother behind," Martial smiled softly, his expression so gentle that Philip mistook him for an angel.

Philip burst into tears.

____________________

Russia grumbled, raking a calloused hand through his tousled hair. Belarus, his sister, was getting increasingly frustrating deal with.  She would stay up for hours, and he could tell that she was growing weaker by the second.

It irked him how he couldn't do anything but scold her, knowing that his lectures would never get through her thick and stubborn mind.

Moscow only tipped his head, staring at him in pity. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"If I can't do anything, then you can't either," Russia sighed, his hand dropping to his sides. "Ahh... my sister's stubborn as hell."

Moscow could only offer a smile, hoping to cheer up his friend. His only friend. "I'm sure she'll realize that it isn't healthy to stay up so late."

The country huffed, looking away. His head butler's reassurance didn't do anything to ease his mind, but he was grateful that Moscow tried nonetheless.

"By the way, how is— uh-" Moscow paused, racking his brain for the name that seemed to be at the tip of his tongue. "Oh! How's Master Philip?"

"Oh, sunshine?" Russia blinked, before silently cursing at himself for forgetting about the male, even for just a little bit. "His brother's still looking for him. Quite a manhunt, honestly. It's been several months, but Philip managed to slip his grasp every time."